Compelled reluctant PM to speak, face grill on key issues: BJP

Expressing satisfaction over its performance in the monsoon session of Parliament, BJP on Saturday said it prevented hasty decisions on legislations lacking unanimity and even compelled a reluctant Prime Minister to speak and face grilling in the House on key issues.

BJP, which had faced criticism of being obstructionist in Parliament and of forcing frequent adjournments in the earlier sessions, claimed it helped in the passage of pro-farmer, pro-poor Bills and social welfare legislations.

The party also claimed on issues where the government wanted to pass legislations in a hurry despite objections, it played the role of a "responsible opposition" and ensured the Bills were sent to the Standing Committees.

At a joint press conference held in Delhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and her Rajya Sabha counterpart Arun Jaitley alleged the government is facing huge anti-incumbency, non-performance, serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement of the economy.

UPA had initially decided upon an escapist route by cutting short the size of the monsoon session. Its strategy was to merely pass certain key legislations of the government and leave inadequate time on other subjects of public interest, which the opposition wanted to have, they said.

BJP claimed the government did not succeed in its intentions as the opposition prevailed and ensured discussions on key issues like state of the economy, the falling Rupee, attack of Pakistan forces on Indian soldiers, Chinese incursions and Uttarakhand tragedy.

"Even a reluctant Prime Minister was compelled to make a statement on the state of the economy and face the grilling before Parliament," Jaitley said.

BJP also claimed without its support crucial Bills like Food Security, Land Acquisition and Pensions Bill could not have been passed.